Gray leaf spot of corn

Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora zeae-maydis, occurs virtually every growing season. If conditions favor disease development, economic losses can occur. Symptoms first appear on lower leaves about two to three weeks before tasseling. The leaf lesions are long (up to 2 inches), narrow, rectangular, and light tan colored. Later, the lesions can turn gray. They are usually delimited by leaf veins but can join together and kill entire leaves.

The fungus survives in corn residue, and, consequently, the disease is often more severe in corn following corn. Spores are dispersed by wind and splashing water. Infection of corn leaves and disease development are favored by warm (80s°F), humid (>90% for 12+ hours) weather. Disease severity depends on hybrid susceptibility and environmental conditions.

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